Volunteers needed for cancer prevention study

Thursday

Feb 28, 2013 at 5:59 PMFeb 28, 2013 at 5:59 PM

The American Cancer Society is participating in a Cancer Research Study to help find out what causes cancer and how to prevent it.

Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). The opportunity for local residents to register to participate in CPS-3 is being made possible in partnership with their host site, Woodloch Pines Resort east of Hawley.

"Residents of northeastern PA have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations, " said Jennifer Washney, Community Cancer Control Specialist (REG). "This important study is designed to help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer."

Individuals can go on line and register to be part of this study by logging onto www.nepacps3.org. Enrollment at Woodloch Pines Resort is slated for Tuesday, March 5th from 2 to 8 p.m. Once an individual registers on line, they will be emailed a survey to complete prior to March 5th.

This survey will ask information on lifestyle, behavioral, and other factors related to your health.

At their appointment at Woodloch, they will complete another brief, written survey, have their waist circumference measured, and participate in a small blood draw (only four teaspoons of blood) by trained phlebotomists. Every three or four years, they will receive a survey to complete at home.

"It is a long term commitment to complete surveys, but it will only take eight hours of your time over a 20 or 30 year period," Washney said.

As of Feb. 15, the American Cancer Society had 53 people registered for the survey at Woodloch. Their goal is to reach 100.

Other sites in northeastern PA to choose from are Commonwealth Medical Center in Scranton and Elk Lake High School in Dimock. For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, please call the American Cancer Society hub office at (570) 562-9749 and ask to speak to a health initiatives representative.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society or to get help, call them any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.